A Review on Acid Rain Causes, Effects and Control Strategies

Abstract

Since the 19th century, acid rain has been a significant environmental concern. This article examines the US EPA's 2012 progress report and analyzes the problem from different environmental perspectives. The active implementation of the Clean Air Interstate Rule (CAIR), Acid Rain Program (ARP), and NOx budget training program has resulted in significant reductions in SO2, NOx emissions, and acid deposition (NBP). The US EPA's Cross State Air Pollution Rule and Litigation (CSAPR) has reduced wastewater cross-border flow between the US and Canada since 2011. Between 1980 and 2012, the national composite mean of average SO2 annual mean ambient concentration in the United States decreased by 85 percent. The scientific and regulatory aspects of acid rain contamination are addressed. First, the negative consequences of acid deposition and trans boundary acidification are discussed. Then, for acid rain precursors, components, and depositions in the United States and China, observational efforts and outcomes are detailed. The production of inorganic sulfate and nitrate in the global troposphere as a result of human emissions is then described using a photochemical process. Then, using a step-by-step explanation, an actual regulatory simulation scenario in support of the establishment of the third sulfur emission control region, which includes coastal California, is shown. Finally, the difficulties of replicating acid rain are discussed.